In a significant move to bolster the UAE’s startup landscape, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism has signed a strategic agreement with Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation. This collaboration, part of the national campaign “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,” aims to develop specialized programs and initiatives designed to enhance the capabilities of Emirati-led startups and expand their presence both locally and globally.
A Strategic Push for a Knowledge-Based Economy
The partnership was formalized during a visit by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, to the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), DSO’s flagship tech hub. H.E. Al Marri emphasized that the agreement reinforces the nation’s vision for a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy and strengthens the competitiveness of the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He stated that the “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” campaign serves as a comprehensive national platform uniting public and private sector efforts to empower entrepreneurs through flexible regulations and competitive incentives, enabling them to expand globally.
Fostering Innovation at Dtec
The Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), the largest tech and coworking campus in the MENA region, will serve as a central pillar of this collaboration. H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), highlighted Dtec’s vital role in helping entrepreneurs transform ideas into globally competitive ventures through its flexible business environment and advanced digital infrastructure. He noted that the partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism opens new avenues for providing comprehensive support to national entrepreneurial projects, aligning with the core pillars of DIEZ’s 2026 Strategy. Dtec provides an integrated ecosystem that combines advanced technologies, shared services, and crucial connections to investors.
Spotlighting Emirati Success Stories
During his visit, H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri engaged with several Emirati entrepreneurs at Dtec, learning about their inspiring journeys and challenges. The minister was briefed on successful startups including Baytukum, a pioneering national platform for real estate crowdfunding, and Check In Portal, which offers innovative digital solutions in website design. The tour also highlighted the “Emirati Real Estate Business Incubator,” a joint initiative between DSO and the Dubai Land Department aimed at training and mentoring Emirati talent to launch their own real estate startups. This direct engagement underscores the Ministry’s commitment to creating tangible solutions that enable entrepreneurs to achieve their ambitions.
About Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a globally recognized free zone and an integrated technology park that provides a live-work-play environment. As a special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), DSO hosts a dynamic ecosystem for technology companies, startups, and entrepreneurs. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and business-friendly policies make it a premier destination for innovation in the region.
Source: Zawya
